Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Toward a future that preserves benefits of neurotechnology for all
PhD student Rachel Sava, winner of the Envisioning the Future of Computing Prize, explores transformative improvements and dystopian risks of neural technology.
Contests and academic competitions Awards, honors and fellowships Students Artificial intelligence Ethics Law
MIT student teams win top honors in NASA competition
Three teams from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) achieved remarkable success in the 2026 NASA RASC-AL Competition, securing five prestigious awards for their innovative designs aimed at supporting lunar bases and future Mars missions. This competition, which focuses on developing critical technologies for space exploration, highlights the importance of advanced engineering and creative problem-solving in addressing the challenges of extraterrestrial habitats. The event took place recently, showcasing the efforts of students and faculty who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of space science and exploration. The recognition of these teams underscores MIT's commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and development in aerospace technology, paving the way for future missions that could expand human presence beyond Earth.
School of Engineering MIT Sloan School of Management Aeronautical and astronautical engineering EAPS Electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) Nuclear science and engineering
ATEC2026 Launches as the “Turing Test” for Embodied AI, Challenging Robots to Survive the Real World
In a groundbreaking approach to robotics competitions, ATEC2026 is set to challenge participants by assessing their robots' abilities to autonomously perform complex, long-duration tasks in unpredictable real-world settings. Unlike conventional contests that focus on indoor or scripted scenarios, this event emphasizes adaptability and problem-solving in dynamic environments. Scheduled for 2026, ATEC aims to push the boundaries of robotic capabilities, encouraging innovation and practical applications in various fields. The competition will provide a platform for researchers and developers to showcase their advancements in autonomous technology, ultimately contributing to the evolution of robotics in everyday life.
What’s coming up at #IROS2025?
The 2025 IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2025) is set to take place from October 19 to 25 in Hangzhou, China. This prominent event will feature a diverse program that includes plenary and keynote talks, workshops, tutorials, forums, competitions, and a debate, aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation in the field of robotics. Among the highlights are three plenary talks scheduled for each day of the conference, providing attendees with insights from leading experts. The conference serves as a platform for researchers, industry professionals, and academics to exchange ideas and showcase advancements in intelligent robotics, reflecting the growing importance of this technology in various sectors.
Humanoid Olympics to Debut in Greece, Testing Robots in Classic Games
This summer, the historic site of Olympia in Greece will be the venue for the inaugural International Humanoid Olympiad, where cutting-edge robots will engage in Olympic-inspired competitions. The event aims to showcase advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics, featuring not only the robotic contests but also expert talks and workshops focused on the future of these technologies. The Olympiad seeks to highlight the potential of humanoid robots and foster discussions on their implications in various fields, making it a significant gathering for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
humanoid-agilityRobotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
